Thanks for taking the time to visit our just giving page.

In September Bernard, Chris, Thomas and Matthew Whittle, Andrew Jenner and Kate Schroeter will be completing the Coniston Adventure Team Challenge for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.  This is a 10km hike up the Old Man of Coniston, followed by a 17km cycle through Grizedale Forest and then a 3km kayak through Coniston Water. 

Clare Whittle has been registered blind since the age of 8 and in October 2009 her life changed when Tamara (Tammy) became part of the Whittle family.  Tammy was trained and provided by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to help Clare be more independent and assist her in her daily life.

The guide dog service costs the guide dog owner a nominal fee of just 50 pence to ensure equality for all in the UK, but the full lifetime cost of a guide dog from birth to retirement costs £48,500 and is met by the Guide Dog Association.

Therefore having seen the change Tammy has made to Clare's life and the bond which they share, we have decided to try and give something back to the Guide Dog Association in order to help others like Clare.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So in order to help others like Clare please dig deep and donate now, and if you meet Clare and Tammy in the street stop and say hello! You can't stroke her when she's working but pop round to the Whittle's house and when she's off duty Tammy's like any other dog! She loves a scratch on the ears, a run in the park and at home you'll usually find her carrying something of Clare's around in her mouth or snoozing by the fire!

Thanks from all of us and Clare, and a big wet nosed kiss from Tammy!

Bernard, Andrew, Chris, Thomas, Matthew and Kate xxx